Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., the New Jersey Commissioner of Education and a Kean alumnus, was named president of Kean University in Union, New Jersey on Monday, May 11, 2020.Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., the New Jersey Commissioner of Education and a Kean alumnus, was named ...Credits: Kean University

Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., speaks at Kean University's graduate college commencement in May 2017. Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., speaks at Kean University's graduate college commencement in May 2017. Credits: Kean University

By KATHY CRYAN

May 11, 2020 at 9:22 PM

UNION, NJ – Kean University named a new president on Monday afternoon during a meeting of the Board of Trustees to fill the spot being vacated by outgoing president Dawood Farahi, who is stepping down at the end of this academic year.

Current New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Lamont Repollet has been named the 18th leader of the University. Repollet was nominated to be Commissioner of Education by Governor Murphy on January 12, 2018 and was sworn into office June 19, 2018.

“I am both humbled and energized by this appointment, and by the faith the Board of Trustees is placing in me to continue Kean University’s progress as one of the best institutions of higher education in New Jersey,” Repollet said after the vote. “I have important work to finish with the state, but I am grateful Governor Murphy supports this next step in my career, and I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

Sign Up for Union Newsletter

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust.

You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto Union Newsletter.

Repollet says he supports Gov. Murphy’s student-centered vision for higher education with the goal of making New Jersey the hub for American innovation and economic opportunity. Included in the vision is a Student Bill of Rights to encourage students to pursue higher education through college preparatory programs, reduce college costs, support a timely path to graduation, create a welcoming learning environment, and cultivate research, innovation and talent.

From 2014 to 2018, Dr. Repollet served as superintendent of the Asbury Park School District. According to the New Jersey Department of Education’s website, Repollet has earned honors and recognition from numerous organizations. Most recently he received the 2019 Medal of Excellence for Distinguished Service from The College of Education at Rowan University, the 2019 Trailblazer Award from the Innovation for Equity Summit and the 2019 Conclave Image Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Repollet graduated from Kean with a master’s degree in educational administration in 2000 and served on the Kean Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2018 before assuming his role as commissioner. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, his Master’s in Educational Administration from Kean University, and his Bachelor’s in communications from The College of New Jersey, according to the Department of Education’s website. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and serves as a mentor for the Sigma Beta Club.

“When I sought this office, I said my Commissioner of Education would fully understand the challenges students and educators face in their classrooms, because I would choose someone who came from the classroom," said Governor Phil Murphy in a statement. "Dr. Repollet has provided that leadership. While he will be missed, I have full confidence that the team at DOE will continue to build on his track record of success."

Leaders of the Kean Federation of Teachers, the union representing faculty at Kean University, say the appointment of Repollet as the university’s new president offers hope for the university, which is needed now more than ever given the existential threats the COVID-19 pandemic presents to higher education. Union leaders also voiced confidence that Repollet’s experience as state education commissioner—a commissioner who involved all stakeholders in policy decisions—could open up a new era of faculty-administration cooperation.

Farahi announced his plans to step down as president in August, 2019. Farahi began his career at Kean more than 30 years ago in the classroom. According to Kean University, since his 2003 appointment, Farahi has “championed a multitude of groundbreaking initiatives that have elevated both the quality and stature of Kean University.”

UNION, NJ – In a letter to the Union school community, schools superintendent Gregory Tatum reaffirmed the district’s commitment to continue to strive to promote social justice and the belief that all students and staff will be treated in a fair and non-prejudicial manner.

Tatum’s letter said his office is “appalled and outraged at the senseless murder of George Floyd…as well as countless ...

UNION, NJ – In a letter to the Union school community, schools superintendent Gregory Tatum ...

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The COVID-19 outbreak may mean a glitch in some summer travel plans. Fears of becoming stranded on a cruise or infected during air travel have many holding off on faraway trips. Alternatively, at the Jersey shore, homeowners are getting ready for a full season of summer guests. Many have added some extra steps to their usual protocol so their short-term guests will be ...

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The COVID-19 outbreak may mean a glitch in some summer travel plans.

UNION, NJ – What will school be like in the fall? The new normal is unknown, but whatever that normal turns out to be, it will be based on lessons learned. For New Jersey public schools some of these lessons will be learned this summer in daycare centers and camps, and may determine if school doors open at all.

Daycare centers for the children of essential workers have been opened throughout ...

UNION, NJ – What will school be like in the fall? The new normal is unknown, but whatever that ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting to get their drivers licenses.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on Friday announced plans for a phased reopening of MVC facilities to the public following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening will proceed in a ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting ...

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The ten polling locations that will be open for in-person voting in Union for the July 7 primary election has been released.

The Primary Election will be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail, by order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In accordance with the governor’s order, voters who choose to cast their ballot in person ...

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The ten polling locations that will be open for in-person voting in Union for ...

RED BANK, NJ -- Scott Wingerter, Editor of TAPinto Red Bank, joined Host Stephanie Willoughby to share a story from his community about a local nonprofit organization who held an online art auction to raise money to feed the needy.

Lunch Break is a Red Bank organization founded in 1983 to help underemployed people make ends meet, said Wingerter, but it has evolved into much more. “Lunch ...

UNION, NJ - A peaceful protest is planned in Union for Monday, June 8, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Organizers say protesters will meet at the Boys and Girls Club on Jeanette Avenue at 1:00 and march up Morris Avenue to Town Hall for speeches. Attendees are asked to wear all black, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

UNION, NJ - A peaceful protest is planned in Union for Monday, June 8, beginning at 1:00 ...

UNION, NJ - Beginning Monday, June 8, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“As the result of a historic community effort by Union County residents to slow the spread of COVID-19, the number of requests for tests has gone down in recent ...